Pages

Thursday, January 31, 2013

On my way home from work. My rig is to the right of the palm tree on the right side of the moon.

Every day I get up and go to work at 5:00 am, yes every day, but it isn’t as bad as it sounds. I’m usually up that early anyway and it doesn’t take long to do the work. The rest of the day is mine. Most of the time I get home and if I haven’t eaten, I fix breakfast, then watch the news or read, or maybe take a nap. I’m usually in bed by 10:00 pm.

One day last week, while I was out, I found a youth group that was having a fund raiser, Car Wash. Since my truck really was dirty and at the park, they only allow you to wash vehicles on Thursday, I just decided to give them a donation and have the kids do it. They did a really good job and even did the inside windows too.

All bright and shiny!

Earlier in the week I was invited to join several Pleasant Valley Resort (PVR) residents for lunch at Peter Piper Pizza. There were about a dozen or more that showed up and I was introduced to several people, but I’m sure that I won’t remember all there names.

I just finished the next to last book in Jean Auel’s Clan of the Cave Bears series, Shelters of Stone. Even though reading tends to put me to sleep, it took less than a week to finish. In between reading, I was checking out things to do around the area and in the park. There’s quite a bit to do here at the park to keep you busy. There are a few things that interest me, but most of the residents here are French Canadians, about 95%, Although many speak English, I still feel a bit on the outside when they participate in things and are speaking French.

Even the at the Jams, they sing it’s in French. I thought about taking beginning Guitar, but I think I will hold off on that until another time.

I was going to go to water aerobics yesterday and today, but it was still a bit chilly. Instead, today, I checked out the ladies that are doing sewing projects and see if there was anyone that knew anything about Swedish Weaving. Tuesday I checked that group out and decided that it would be something to learn. Yesterday I went in to McAllen on a quest to get the Monk’s Cloth, needles and yarn. Here’s what I came home with.

While visiting with the sewing ladies, I worked on the fringe on the monk cloth. I ‘m not sure what pattern I will use. I would like to find a Celtic Knot pattern or I may have to make one of my own.

One day last week I checked out an Open House at Bentsen Palm Resort where Carol of were moving on works, but was unable to connect up with her. Oh, Well, maybe another day. One of these days I want to get over to the Bentsen Palm Birding Center that is nearby the park that she’s at. I would like to get some pictures of different birds, flowers and maybe butterflies.

I have been having issues with my laptop lately. It seems to take forever for it to load everything, so I have asked around here in the park to see if there was anyone that might be able to help. I need to get started on printing sublimation ink transfers for a way to make a bit of $$$ to supplement my income. One of my neighbors came over to help. He thinks that it may have something to do with Live Writer. (I hope that that is not the case.) He had to leave, but will try to figure it out later. I think that I have a couple of programs that are running that I thought weren’t, are running. Now I have to relearn them to start working on some projects that I put on hold.

It has been a somewhat busy week and Angel is taking it in stride. I hope that you are all doing well and having a good week. Good night all. (or is it Y’all?)

Thursday, January 24, 2013

It’s just a lazy day here in the RGV. Of course, that’s after I get up early in the morning to clean toilets and mop floors. The more that I do it, the easier and quicker it is to get it done. I just sat in the recliner, caught up with the news on TV and lazed about until my visitors arrived.

About 11:00 am, Evelyn and Kevin found us. I had met them earlier after going to a Good Sam Rally in 2011 in Phoenix. We visited for a while and then took a walk over to the clubhouse to show them around. After that they had to leave as they had to run some errands. I’m sure that we will meet again down the road. Safe travels to you both. thanks for the visit.

Later in the afternoon, I finished the watercolor of the pelican that I started last November at the Pecan Festival. Now that I have more time and the weather is more pleasing, I will have to finish the one done in acrylics and do more painting, as well as checking out the local flora and fauna.

There isn’t much happening today, so I hope that you all are having a great week’

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I arrived here in Mission, TX last Tuesday , but due to a misunderstanding about work I didn’t start work until this morning. I will be working on a trial basis until the end of the month, mainly to find out if I can do the work, because of my previous shoulder injury.

In the meantime, I spent some time with some friends that are here in the RGV (Rio Grande Valley) for about another week, Martha and Homer, leaving Angel at home. (It has been warm, so I don’t take her with me very often.) We went to a Big Band Jam on Saturday afternoon and danced a dance with Homer, very enjoyable. Thank you Homer.

Later in the evening, after going home, I went to the weekly dance at the PVR (Pleasant Valley Resort), where I am staying.

It was canned music and mainly line dancing and some couples dancing. I haven’t done much dancing in the last 50 or so years. I mainly watched feet. There were a few dances that seemed easy enough to learn, but so many of them, seemed a bit complicated. I just may have to take lessons.

Every Sunday there is a Lutheran church service at the clubhouse, which I attended. Later in the afternoon I met with Martha and Homer at the Riverside Club located on the the Rio Grande, where there were a couple of bands playing and food was also served. We decided to call it a day, because it began to get a bit crowded. Before we left, I took a few pictures.

Martha and Homer with Mexico on the other side of the river and looking back at the club.

After stopping at Walmart, I headed home to a very welcoming Angel and lots of kisses.

Yesterday, I had another meeting with Theresa, the manager. She brought Ed, the other person doing the housekeeping, in for me to meet. He took me over to the clubhouse to show me what has to be done. We will be working together for a few days until I can do it all on my own. We start at around 5 or 5:30 am and work until the work is done.

This morning I was up at 4 am. (Good thing that I am a morning person.) After letting Angel out and getting her all settled in the kitchen, I walked over to the clubhouse, (one street away). Ed showed me where everything was and how he does things and then I was on my own. My job this morning was to clean the bathrooms and then dust and mop the floors.

Ladies room, men’s was occupied so no pic.

I also wiped down all the washing machines and dryers.

He did the main room and the poolroom and card room.

I was done by 7:30. This all has to be done every day. We will mostly work together except when the other has a day or two off. The work isn’t hard, although I do have to get use to the physical activity. I’ve been mostly sedentary for nearly a year. I actually think that this type of work will be good for my shoulder. In the past any time that I saw a doctor for my shoulder, I was given exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles.

I think that today I will rest. Tomorrow I am expecting a visit from Evelyn and Kevin of rvkhroniclesofkevelyn. So I may fix some goodie for when they come.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

I woke up early this morning and finished getting ready to move South. I took my time, fixed breakfast, did the dishes and got the last minute stuff put up.

I had already unhooked the sewer connection, hooked up the truck on Monday afternoon. I had to bring my post office box keys back to the post office and put in a change of address just in case any mail gets sent to that address. With that accomplished I went back home and made some phone calls while I waited for it to warm up a little bit before I did all the outside preparations. Once they were done I just watched some television before I went to bed..

So, at about 8:00 am, I was outside unplugging form shore power and putting the water hose away when David came over to say good bye. I plugged “My Spot” into the truck raised all the jacks and David helped me check check the lights and put the electrical cord away. It was hard to roll up because it was so cold, so I just stuffed it into the basement. All compartments were closed and the door locked, steps secured and I was on my way by 8:30.

No mishaps on the way out or on the way here. I just drove straight thru a little over 300 miles. Instead of going through San Antonio, I took TX 80 south to I 10, then west to Seguin, then south on TX 123 to US 181 to Karnes. There I headed west on TX 72 over to I 37 south and then west on FM 1799.and then went farther west on US 59 to US 281. From there it was straight south to Pharr, TX. I then went west on Expressway 83 to Mission and finally to Pleasant Valley Resort. That sounds like a long and complicated trip,, but it wasn’t. I just followed the route on my I Pad and it took me where I wanted to go, mostly two lane roads, but some four lane. I didn’t have hardly any traffic at all until I got down to the Rio Grande Valley. There are a lot of people here, but it still wasn’t too bad.

Of course, I had to check in with the kids to let them know I arrived. I also had to let my friend. Martha know that I was here, She and Homer have been in Pharr for the last three weeks. We’ll try to get together tomorrow.

We got here about 3;00 pm. Angel is the best travel companion. We only stopped at one rest area for a potty break (both of us). She even just sat there in the truck while we set up the rig, even with the door open. This is a very big park, the streets are NOT very wide and there are cars and trucks parked all over. Fortunately, a couple of the fellas that work here helped me get parked and set up. After I got everything in it’s place, I fixed dinner and settled down to see what TV channels they have here.

I may have to wait to get this published, as I’m not sure how to access their internet.

Wednesday

Just a quick mention of a visit from some friends for north TX, Martha and Homer, we had a quick visit with a promise to get together later this weekend.

Thursday

Hi again, It is Thursday and I am in the clubhouse where they have free WIFI trying to post.. I will be meeting shortly with Theresa, the manager and the other person in housekeeping to set up hours and obligations. So here’s hoping that this works.

Friday, January 11, 2013

I am in the process of going through my STUFF once again. Now that I have been living this lifestyle over a year now, I have a better idea of what I need and actually use. The hard decisions are for what I will be using regarding my artwork or crafts. If I get rid of something and then try to replace it, it would be expensive. I certainly can’t afford to do that. I still need to get rid of more weight.

so long to this almost empty park

Since I haven’t been doing anything else in the line of activities, (there aren’t any) and I haven’t been able to get enough practice learning Campground Master, it was a mutual decision that I would move on.

I will be heading south to the Rio Grande Valley in South TX. I have accepted a temporary position at Pleasant Valley Resort. Later I am looking to gate guard for a couple of months before heading north for the summer.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Sunday ,while relaxing I got a call from Alyson in the office, wanting to know if I wanted her to give my phone number to Phil and Rudee who were in the area. Of course, I said yes! They were on there way to gate guarding in South TX. They had already parked about 10 miles south of me in Luling, TX. They came on over to visit. We had a great visit and decided to continue the visit at dinner. I followed them back to Luling, where we had dinner at Blake’s.

After more conversation and take home containers, we called it a night. I’m sure that we will meet up again down the road.

That’s what is so great about this life style. You can meet people that you would never have met otherwise. You have the same interests and can share experiences. You can meet people that read your blog and you begin reading their blogs and when you do meet F to F, it’s like meeting old friends. Ya gotta love it!

I just found out that Colleen’s son was in a motorcycle accident yesterday. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Looks like the rain has abated and it is beginning to dry out, getting ready for the next round of wet weather this weekend. From the view out of my window, it looks like the San Marcos River has risen, but not flooded into the primitive area yet.

from my rig a closer look

It hasn’t been very busy lately, so I haven’t worked much, but tomorrow I will work 7 hours. I guess we will be getting odds and ends done to prepare for the coming season. It usually begins during Spring Break. Here we go!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Yes, one year ago today was my last day at work. January 6th, 2012 was the first day of my long awaited retirement. It was a bit weird, not going into work, but it didn’t take long for me to get used to it. I was busy getting it all together to get out on the road. My plan was to leave the area on February 1st, 2012. It was not to be. Towards the end of January, while cleaning out the storage shed, I tripped on the cord that I tied Angel with. I fell and broke my hand.

I can’t imagine what Ted was Thinking!

This put my leaving out another 6 weeks. I ended up leaving on March 10th, Since I would be towing “My Spot”, Ted felt more comfortable helping me drive to Phoenix. I am so glad that he did as we had a problem with a bolt shearing off on the Super Glide Hitch. We were able to get that taken care of while being stuck in Banning for a couple of days. He was able to get the manufacture to replace the hitch, but we had to locate one in the area, pick it up and then Ted installed it.

One the way out of town, we discovered that my brake lights didn’t work. One more thing to get fixed. We found an RV store where Ted and the man there worked on it for over an hour and couldn’t figure out why they weren’t working while hooked up to the bed of the truck. However they did work with the bumper connection. With that taken care of, we finally made it to Queen Creek, AZ where I would be “mooch” docking at my oldest daughter’s in laws. ( Thank you again, Lupe and Janelle ) Before Ted flew back to San Francisco, he need to rewire the power cord, so that I could use the connection in the truck bed. I called fellow bloggers, Jim and Sandie of Where are the Dixons Today, who were in Apache Junction to meet them while I was in the area. Jim graciously offered to let Ted use any of his tools that he needed. I visited with Sandie while the guys worked on the truck. Ted just amazes me as what he can do. It wasn’t long before the work was done. Again, I am so grateful to another wonderful RVing couple.

I was in the Phoenix area and was able to spend time with both of my daughters and families that live in the area as well as a friend from elementary school that I hadn’t seen since 1958. Wow, How time flies. After a couple of weeks, I was on my way to Texas.

I needed to be at Garner State Park in Concan, TX. I would be starting my first workamping job on April 1st. There I worked in the visitor’s center and at the day use window or gate. I was also making plans to work as a gate guard. That happened within the month and I was on my way to the South TX oilfields.

What an experience, working by myself (and Angel) 24/7, I learned how to work the gate and manage my time, figuring out when I could sleep and take care of personal needs. There were a few things that I had to deal with, one which was falling down the stairs when going out of the fiver and spraining my wrist and another was the freezing of my I Phone. I remained in the oilfields for four months at three different locations. I was only able to stay that long because of my sister accepting my forwarded mail and going to Walmart for me every couple of weeks. I must thank her too for her help. It was nice being able to see her and visit with her so often.

Labor Day was my last day gate guarding. I had arranged to have my awning replaced with one that was automatic at the Camping World (CW) in New Braunfels.

On the way there I stopped at Travelers World to spend a night using my Passport America membership and meet up with another fellow blogger and former gate guard, Susan and Bob of Travel Bug. Susan is the one who relieved me so that I could get my I Phone fixed. Thank you again for help. While there, I had a bit of a learning curve to deal with, three incidents with the 5ver. That’s where I collided with some rocks and the corner of the office. More for CW to fix when I get there.

I spent a couple of days there while they installed the new awning and they also fixed my sewer connection and a clearance light and ordered the replacement parts so that I could get to my next workamping job north of the city of West, TX. I started on September 6th and while trying to get situated, I tangled with a tree. (10” or 12” gash in the roof)

Now I would need to get the roof replaced. There I worked in the office and gift store 20 hours a week for site and most utilities. It really wasn’t what I expected and I was offered a job where I am now, so when I was notified that my parts were in, I accepted this position nearer to CW.

Repairs were finished after nearly a week at CW. I was beginning to think that CW was my new home. I was fortunate that I could stay in the rig overnight and during the day I got to know the area better and visited with another blogger, Colleen of Traveling with Long Dogs.

I finally got to Leisure Resort in Fentress, TX on October 19th and even before I could get into a space I picked up a hitch-hiking jeep and towed it about 8 feet.

I even had a spotter, but he was in the wrong place. The damage was in the same place that I just had fixed. Another wait for parts and two more days at CW. I made it back with no more incidents and am working here learning the Campground Master computer program. Earlier I was able to organize their Halloween Event in October. There isn’t much happening, so it’s hard to learn the system by doing. No matter how much you read, practical application is the way that I learn the best.

That brings me up to my current location. A lot has happened and a lot learned. I’ve been able to visit with family and friends. For my first year on the road, it has been mostly what I expected, but definitely an enjoyable experience (at least for the most part). I’m looking forward to my continuing travel adventures.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Merry Christmas for us was on Saturday morning. Sandi and the G-kids got here late Friday night. They all liked their gifts. Charlie came to work with me, Sandi and Mary stayed with the puppies in “My Spot'” and Sandi came to the clubhouse later to check out the activities. I was done by 4:00 and since it was soon dark, we just headed home to spend the rest of the day with each other. It would be early to bed, because we would be going to church in the morning.

The Chili Cook Off went over well. I worked in the office for most of the afternoon, although I was able to go over to the clubhouse to taste the different kinds of chili and cornbread, I thought that the White Chicken Chili was the best, as did the judges. Yummy, but not too hot.

Sunday, after church we went to Target where Mary found a blouse that she liked and Sandi and I found some things on the Christmas Clearance Isle. I was finally able to find the last two Harry Potter movies to complete my set. From there we were off to the outlet mall, where Charlie used some of his gift card money to buy some shoes. It was so crowded that I dropped him and Sandi off while I tried to find a place to park. It seemed to take forever, but finally found a spot. When they were finished, Sandi called to find me and then walked to find me. We couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Neither one of us like crowds. On the way home we stopped at Wal-Mart to get some black-eyed peas and cabbage for Sandi and pickled herring for me, all three for luck in the New Year. I also got some chicken and vegetables for dinner on New Year’s Day.

Sandi and Charlie just had to watch football, while Mary and I watched one the first of the last two HP movies. Mary and I made some Italian Shortbread Cookies trying to stay awake for Midnight and the dropping of the “Ball” in Time’s Square. (a repeat from an hour earlier EST Zone we’re in CST Zone)

The kids and I made it to Midnight and had to wake up Sandi. We toasted the New Year of 2013 and were soon off to bed and sleep.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

Sandi has some friends that live in Southeast Austin and we decided to meet them for lunch. Since we were going that far, I thought that I might go just a bit farther to IKEA in Round Rock to pick up some Lingonberry Jelly (I usually stock up on it when I can). Sandi’s friends, Jackie and Troy needed to get a table there too. so that’s where we met. afterwards we had lunch at IHOP. Before we left, I started our dinner. I put a variety of potatoes (Purple, Red and Yukon Gold), celery, baby carrots, chicken thighs, mushroom soup, seeded and cleaned jalapeno chili, S & P, bay leaf and a bit of wine into a lined slow cooker turned on low and left heading north to Austin. When we got back home, we had a great dinner, watched the other HP movie. Later Sandi and Charlie lit a fire and roasted marshmallows.

This morning they had to leave. We said our “Good Byes”. It was a great visit, even though at times it seemed like we had wall to wall people. We’re not sure when they will be able to visit again, but we were glad that they could be here as long as they were.

Tomorrow it will be back to my “current normal”. workamping. I will be inquiring about another gate guarding position for this Spring to increase my savings, but that probably won’t happen for a couple of months.

So, Friends, Here’s to a wonderful safe, healthy and prosperous 2013 for you and yours.